Before you get your vehicle towed, there are a few things you should do to prepare it for the tow. These include removing any valuables from your vehicle, locking your car, and leaving your keys in a secure place. If the towing specialist wants to manually put your car in neutral, he may need your keys.
Preparing Your Vehicle For Towing
Towing can be a dangerous experience, and preparing your vehicle for it is important. Tow trucks exert a lot of stress on your vehicle and can get hot. To protect your vehicle from overheating, you can upgrade the fluids in your vehicle. A high-performance synthetic lubricant, such as Royal Purple’s Radiator Coolant Additive, is a good choice.
When a tow truck arrives, make sure your vehicle is free of personal belongings. This way, you won’t have to worry about your possessions being stolen or lost. You should also take your vehicle’s insurance cards and registration. A professional towing company will be able to pick up your car and safely transport it.
When preparing your vehicle for towing, you should always close the windows of your vehicle. This prevents dust and debris from entering the vehicle. Additionally, it helps protect your vehicle’s interior from damage while it is being transported. Also, make sure to disengage any emergency brakes in your vehicle. A reliable towing service will check whether the brakes are disengaged before towing your car.
Getting Payment Options Worked Out With A Towing Company
If you’ve lost your car or have been stranded, securing payment options ahead of time is crucial. Most towing companies don’t release your vehicle unless you provide proper documentation. They are also required to allow you to retrieve your personal property. In addition, they can only charge you for certain amounts approved by your County government.
To protect yourself from fraudulent towing companies, make sure that you get a written bill from the towing company. It is not acceptable for the tow truck driver to release your car unless you provide them with a signed contract or an itemized invoice. It is also illegal to require you to pay for towing with cash, so make sure you ask to pay using your credit card.
You may also consider leasing the service. Leasing can be a great option for those with limited funds, but be careful not to sign up for terms where you’re required to pay more than you can afford. Also, make sure that you check the lease agreement carefully and make sure there’s no prepayment penalty and that the amount will be adjusted if you have to pay more than you’ve agreed to. Alternatively, you can take out a loan or use your personal funds.
Avoiding Being Taken Advantage Of By A Towing Company
There are several steps you can take to avoid being taken advantage of by a towing business. While most companies are legitimate, there are those that operate unethically and prey on the vulnerable. To avoid being ripped off, research towing laws in your area.
The first step is to find out whether or not the towing company has any regulations. If they don’t follow these regulations, you can file a complaint with local law enforcement. In addition, you can dispute their charges if you believe they are too high. Most tow service ordinances state that the towing company must charge reasonable fees that are comparable to other towing companies in the area. If you aren’t happy with the company’s charges, you can also file a lawsuit in small claims court.
Another step you can take to avoid being taken advantage of by a towing business is to be aware of the Public Utility Commission’s Office of Tow Hearings. This office settles disputes between carriers and their customers and owners.
Finding A Reputable Towing Service
Choosing a reputable towing company is essential if you need to have your vehicle towed. Generally, a good service will have their history listed with the local impound lot. These companies are willing to share their history with you in exchange for future business. The drivers can tell you when your vehicle was towed and whether it came from their lot or not. Some impound lots also have an online search function so that you can look up towing companies.
Lastly, you should always ask the towing service for their contact information so you can communicate with your insurance company if you have one. They can then help you track your vehicle’s transfer. In addition, you should remove any valuables from your vehicle and lock it securely. Also, be sure to leave your keys in a pre-designated location. The towing specialist may need your keys to start the car or place it in neutral.
Towing services can be a big expense, but they can be less expensive if you have roadside assistance or insurance. AAA and insurance companies offer this service. You can also take advantage of the services of local dealers and get an affordable new car.